Staying warm in the winter should be a priority for everyone. However, this can be difficult if we’re worried about spending too much on our energy bill.
Every Day is Duvet Day
Thicker duvets will trap your body heat to keep you feeling warm and cosy through the night. The cover you put on your duvet is also something to choose wisely. Fluffy bedding is perfect for frosty nights. It also gives you an extra layer of comfort because it’s soft and cosy. Another popular material is cotton, which works well all year round. This soft material absorbs the heat from your body to keep you warm in the colder months. It also allows air to circulate, keeping you cool in the summer. Buying cotton bedding means you’re ready not just for the winter, but for the rest of the year too!
Electric Blankets
Electric blankets will have some kind of heating element built into them like an insulted wire. This blanket is usually placed under your covers and will heat up when plugged in. It can be turned on not long before you go to sleep to heat your bed. Before settling down for the night, you can then turn it off. They’re cheap to use and don’t have to be left on too long to be effective.
As well as an electric blanket, get yourself some fluffy blankets! These are thick and soft and great for keeping you warm. In the evening when you and your housemates are enjoying some TV together, you can have your fluffy blanket with you. Another great option is an oodie. If you haven’t heard of these before, it’s time to get yourself one! They’re very oversized hooded jumpers which are made completely out of a fluffy material. These are also great for movie nights when it’s cold outside.
Use Your University Resources
If you live on campus, most universities will have an accommodation team who can help you with any problems. If you’re struggling to keep warm, contact them and they may be able to help in some way. If you’re living off campus and are struggling to keep warm, you can contact your university’s help services. They may be able to give you advice and guidance to keep you safe through the winter.
Dishwashers (Lifesavers)
Most dishwashers have an eco-mode which uses less electricity compared to other settings. Eco-mode uses a longer cycle, so the water doesn’t need heating up as much. This means less energy is needed, and the amount of water used is minimised too. A recent survey from CHOICE found that only 20% of people use the eco setting on their dishwasher. People seem to forget it’s there, but it’s a very useful setting.
Running full loads is another way to save energy when using your dishwasher. If you only fill half the dishwasher, then you increase the number of cycles you have to do. This wastes both electricity and water, so it’s better to do a full load each time. Also avoid prewashing in the sink before putting anything in the dishwasher. Doing this uses a lot more water than you need to. Instead, scrape your food into the bin and leave as little residue as possible.
Turn Lights and Heating Off in Unused Rooms
It’s easy to go out and accidentally leave a light on. On average, lighting accounts for 15% of a household’s energy bill. This is a high percentage that you may be able to decrease if you’re prepared. Every time you leave a room, switch the lights off. Turn the heating off as well if it’s on in an area which isn’t being used. Having the heating on can be costly, so it’s good to be careful.
Work Together With Housemates
If only one person in your accommodation makes changes to be energy efficient, this won’t be enough. If you really want to reduce your bills, you need to work together. There are many things you can do like:
- Unplugging devices which aren’t being used
- Taking shorter showers
- Using LED bulbs instead of traditional ones
Don’t forget to check on each other! If someone feels cold, work as a team to solve the problem. For example, draughts can come in from gaps around the doors and windows. Working together to fill in these gaps with draught excluders will make a big difference.
More Energy-Efficient Tips From The Student Energy Group
At The Student Energy Group, we’re here to help you save money. We’ll combine all your bills like water, electric and gas and put them into one monthly student bills package. This can then be split between you and everyone you live with. Signing up with us means we’ll plant a tree as well! It takes less than two minutes to get a free quote from us.
